Investigate genetically modified Flavr-Savr tomatoes, should they be available for human consumption. Technology is advancing at an ever-increasing rate; consequently scientists have used this development to create genetically modified foods. Biotechnology used to genetically modify foods has contributed to controversial claims about whether genetically modified foods are available for human consumption. Genetically modified plants and foods such as the “Flavr Savr Tomato” enhanced through the use of biotechnology have attracted arguments for and against. Those in favor believe that they are beneficial for humans, those against believe that they are harmful to human nutrition and that the alteration of genes is not suitable. Genetic modification is also called genetic engineering or genetic manipulation. These three terms have the same meaning. “Genetic modification is the use of modern biotechnological techniques to modify the genes of an organism, such as a plant or animal” (CSIRO, 2014). Many scientists use genetic modification in an attempt to improve plants and foods for human consumption. The Flavr Savr tomato, also known as a transgenic tomato created by Calgene, was first introduced in 1991 and approved by the FDA. Flavr Savr was released in U.S. supermarkets in 1994, becoming the first commercialized genetically modified crop. Normal tomatoes display the enzyme polygalacturonase. Polygalacturonase is an enzyme that is expressed during the ripening phase of the tomato, becoming a predominant factor once the fruit has been harvested. The enzyme contributes significantly to the decrease in cell wall, which leads to softening of the fruit. Therefore tomato cannot be ... middle of paper ... flavors and texture are beneficial. In contrast, natural tomatoes have become rotten or bruised during the shipping process. The product is already available to consumers. The tomato was also subjected to tests for risks that could pose danger to humans and the result was approved by the FDA. The FDA approved genetically modified foods only if they were approved for consumer sale and therefore as safe and nutritious as their conventional counterparts (Healey, 2004). There are risks and benefits to everything in the world. However, in this circumstance the benefits in my opinion outweigh the risks or are justified. Therefore, the Flavr Savr tomato should be available for human consumption as long as the public is aware of the minimal risks that may arise and the process involved to produce the Flavr Savr tomato..